8 February 2016

Looking at the date today, I realise it is exactly two weeks since my last blog entry. So today the Warrnambool procedure was repeated as I underwent the second of the immunotherapy treatments and I was better prepared this week with my kindle loaded up. One interesting comment from the oncologist was that the company that is providing this drug Nivolumab to me for free is now discontinuing the free form of this drug as of 28 Feb. This means that while I continue to be eligible to receive the drug for free for up to 2 years, no more free cases will be begun after this date. Nivolumab will still be available but at a massive individual price of over $100,000 per year or until it is approved on the PBA listing. Phew, I just got in by the skin of my teeth! Now I really have to pray that it works for me. I am not quite sure yet about side-effects, as I have had random days of troublesome back pain over the past two weeks, which may or may not be caused by the drug (it’s a ‘different’ back pain to the one I’ve had before). 

We’ve been having glorious summer weather over the past week or two, perfect for going for a drive along some of our favourite bush tracks, and this time we ended up at Dartmoor, a tiny township that is looking a bit sad right now since losing a timber mill - its only employment opportunity. It’s worth a visit though, to have a look at the creative chainsaw timber sculptures made from the stumps of cypress trees that have seen better days.

Brian inspects the chainsaw sculptures, under the theme of 'Fairy Tale' characters.

It always pays to keep an eye out for the 'locals'.

Meanwhile I continue to be amazed at the circuitous route of this blog! It has continued to spread and lead to re-connections with friends I haven’t seen for some considerable time. Thank you everyone for your encouragement – always very timely.